The Washington Rhinestone Club, Inc. celebrated its 68th Anniversary on December 21, 2024, by presenting eight exceptional young women to society during its Annual Debutante Ball at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Southcenter. This year’s theme, “Embracing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” set the tone for an inspiring evening that celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Dr. Michelle Flowers Taylor, co-founder of Legacy First Partners, LLC, and recipient of the United Nations Better Communities Award, served as the evening’s Mistress of Ceremony. With over 13 years of experience in media production, education, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Taylor brought warmth, grace, and eloquence to the event. She is also the interim CEO of Basse 11, an organization empowering students and early-career adults to pursue STEM careers, and chairs the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund, which promotes education and leadership development for young women. Accompanied by her husband, Landon Taylor, Dr. Taylor reflected on the significance of investing in the next generation of leaders.
The reigning 2023 Debutante Queen, Jada Johnson, now a biochemistry major at the University of Washington, returned to crown her successor. Before the ceremonial moment, Johnson thanked the Washington Rhinestone Club for its ongoing support and congratulated the 2024 debutantes.
The Queen of the 2024 Debutante Ball was Debutante Lynisha Bailey, a graduate of Summit Sierra High School and biology major at the University of Washington. Bailey, the daughter of Shaunda Stenson, was presented by Eugene Davison and escorted by Uriah Givens. With a stellar cumulative GPA of 3.950, she earned the title of Queen and was awarded a $2,000 scholarship presented by Washington Rhinestone Club President Cleo Brooks.
The Runner-Up, with the second-highest GPA of 3.800, was Debutante Saraiya Rogers, the daughter of Alana Peace. A graduate of Auburn Mountainview High School and current University of Washington student, Saraiya was presented by her father, Kamythe Rogers, and escorted by Isaac Isaac. Rogers was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by President Brooks, assisted by Vice President and Ball Co-Chair Myra Stallworth.
The evening also honored six other accomplished debutantes who embody the values of the Washington Rhinestone Club:
• Debutante Lauryn Davis, daughter of Rhonda and Chris Davis, is a Garfield High School graduate and nursing major at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. She was presented by her father and escorted by Pule Leatigaga.
• Debutante Amira Devers, daughter of First Lady Cristi Devers and Rev. Demetrius Devers, graduated from Garfield High School and is a nursing major at North Carolina A&T State University. She was presented by her father and escorted by Isaiah Hemphill.
• Debutante Leah Dual, daughter of Catherine Stroughter, is a graduate of Rainier Valley Leadership Academy and currently attends the PIMA Medical Institute. She was presented by her uncle, Justin Stroughter, and escorted by Yusuf Abdikadir.
• Debutante Zekyra Lee, daughter of Zematra Bacon and Carl Lee, is a Lincoln High School graduate and pre-nursing major at Tacoma Community College. She was presented by her father and escorted by her brother, Zemarion Washington.
• Debutante Journey Pollard, daughter of Michaya and Vasean Pollard, is a graduate of the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences and a nursing major at the University of Washington. She was presented by her father and escorted by Donald Vinson Tatum.
• Debutante Jordyn Roy, daughter of Fredricka Fisher, is a Garfield High School graduate attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she is majoring in nursing. She was presented by her stepfather, Teon Potts, and escorted by Haiden Potts.
Adding a touch of youthful elegance to the Queen’s Court were Princess Tamra Taylor, age six, daughter of Mistress of Ceremony Dr. Michelle Flowers Taylor, and Princess Maxine Mitchell, age seven, daughter of Alexis Esquibel and Aaron Mitchell. Their presence delighted attendees, symbolizing the next generation of leaders.
The Ball also highlighted the importance of community support and scholarship opportunities for young women. Souvenir Book Award Scholarships were presented to Debutantes Amira Devers and Leah Dual by Ball Chair Carol Bell for their contributions and achievements. Additionally, Legacy Scholarships were awarded by alumna Brittney Marzest to Debutantes Amira Devers, Queen Lynisha Bailey, and Leah Dual, recognizing their families’ long-standing connections to the Washington Rhinestone Club.
Every debutante received a $300 Foundation House at Northgate Book Scholarship, presented by Colleen Robinson Walls. Keepsake gifts were provided by Ben Bridge Jewelers, continuing their tradition of supporting the Washington Rhinestone Club.
Nancy Stephens Saunders, a past debutante and daughter of founding member Frances Oxner Stephens, once again served as the choreographer for the debutantes’ and escorts’ performances. Assisted by her husband, Stillman Saunders, Nancy delivered routines described as “Broadway-caliber” that left the audience captivated. A lawyer and long-time supporter of the Washington Rhinestone Club, Nancy was presented with a special gift from the 2024 Debutantes and Ball Chair Carol Bell, recognizing her unwavering commitment to the organization.
The Butch Harrison Trio provided an elegant musical backdrop throughout the evening, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Their sophisticated performance was a highlight of the event and contributed to its success.
Reflecting on the evening’s achievements, the Washington Rhinestone Club expressed its gratitude for the community’s support. The 68th Anniversary Debutante Ball reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering young women through education, leadership, and community service — ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.
